HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH MAZDA'S ROTARY SPORTS CAR REVIVAL

When it comes to a blend of weird and mainstream, Mazda arguably does it best, at least in the automotive world. It's succeeded in creating some of the most reliable cars on the market like the CX-5 SUV, all the while creating some of the strangest cars and engines the automotive world has ever seen on a mass-market scale. While the Japanese automaker has toned down its penchant for wackiness in recent years, the light hasn't been snuffed out, at least not totally.

Enter the Mazda Iconic SP Concept. It's a work in progress at the moment, but things are looking up for the presumptive Mazda RX-line successor. The Iconic SP was first shown to the public less than a year ago and, since then, it's been heralded as one of the prettiest concept cars ever showcased by the brand, and we wholeheartedly agree. So, what's the Iconic SP all about? We'll take a detailed look below.

Sitrep: The Mazda Iconic SP Concept

Three Key Facts

• Revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2023
• Styling inspired by the FD-gen (19922002) Mazda RX-7
• Reportedly able to run on multiple fuel types
• Features a new twin-rotor engine and electric motors

In all its glory, the Mazda Iconic SP Concept certainly does resemble its grandfather, the FD-gen Mazda RX-7. You can really see those roots along its profile, as its front fenders and side-window outline look eerily familiar. However, it seems Mazda was able to resist the urge to go full-blown-copycat, and was able to use the RX-7 as inspiration, not a tracing outline. Much like a good musician inspired by another artist, a good automotive stylist never copies, but pays homage.

On top of its pretty styling, the Iconic SP will reportedly be able to run on a variety of fuel types, which we'll touch on later. It will also feature a hybrid-type drivetrain, and create up to a projected 365 horsepower. We're almost glad it only creates 365 horsepower and not a higher number, because the RX-7 did wonders with its maximum of 276 horsepower (a claimed figure that was more than likely a lie). There was plenty of power for the light coupe, and if the Iconic SP's chassis is as good as its predecessors, that sort of power will fit in perfectly.

As of now, we're not sure about the Iconic SP's timeline. We know it's still being actively developed, and it's made a couple of other in-person debuts around the world. Just a year ago, Mazda filed a total of six new rotary engine-based patents, meaning the rotary engine is far from dead. At the start of this year, Mazda announced it was rebooting rotary engine development, and the twin-rotor engine likely destined for the Iconic SP was shown off recently too.

How The Iconic SP Plans To Move Itself Around

The Iconic SP wouldn't be anything more than a pretty concept were it not for its twin-rotor rotary engine. However, it won't be using the rotary engine in a traditional sense, i.e. powering the vehicle's wheels directly. Instead, the Iconic SP will be an EV, first and foremost, with the combustion engine acting as a generator. That's why the ICE doesn't have confirmed power outputs, as the 365-hp figure is that of the electric motor/s. But the combustion engine is vital, as it's the key to a low projected weight of 3,197 lbs; the combustion generator means the Iconic SP doesn't need a heavy battery a traditional EV needs to have an acceptable driving range.

While this may sound similar to the MX-30 R-EV, it's only partially similar, as that car is still an EV first and foremost, with the single-rotor, 0.83-liter rotary engine producing a measly 74 hp and 84 lb-ft. While that's enough to give a crossover plenty of juice, a 365-hp sports car will be drawing far more power from its generator/battery combo, which is why a twin-rotor engine that can operate in a more fluid speed range will be able to deliver the required juice.

The Ability To Run On Hydrogen

The rotary engine also has another trick up its sleeve: the ability to run on a few different types of fuel including hydrogen. Mazda has developed a plethora of hydrogen-combustion prototypes in the past, including one that used the RX-8's 13B Renesis engine in an almost unchanged state. That means Mazda already knows how to make a rotary run on hydrogen. Plus, Mazda is pioneering seaweed-based biofuel, which could be another way to make the rotary engine run cleaner.

These days, having the buzzword carbon-neutral attached to a car's description is a good thing, thanks to the current obsession with eco-consciousness in the automotive world.

We also know a bit about the Iconic SP's chassis. The twin-rotor engine will be mounted low-down in the center of the car, making for a very low center of gravity when you couple its weight with the weight of the battery pack. In addition, Mazda has confirmed a near-50:50 weight distribution, much like its predecessor, the RX-7.

The Iconic SP Is An Important Concept For Mazda

In order for Mazda to come forward and tell the motoring world they've got something akin to the RX-7 and RX-8's successor, they've got to live up to some high expectations, especially regarding the RX-7's greatness in most aspects apart from reliability. It's going to have to handle, feel, and drive like a true sports car, not to mention look like one. Most of us know nearly every car that makes it to production doesn't look anything like its concept phase. Just ask General Motors, for example. We just really hope those pop-up headlights make it onto the production model.

Another aspect to consider regarding the Iconic SP's importance is Mazda's standing as a company. Just under three decades ago, Mazda was churning out cars like the RX-7, MX-5 Miata, and the lesser-known MX-6 sports car. All of these were unique, well-balanced, and fun to drive. Yes, the Miata is still being produced, but that's it when it comes to sporting options on Mazda's roster. The Iconic SP could be a return to Mazda's well-executed athletic past, something the world has sorely missed.

This Isn't The First Time We've Been Teased: The RX-Vision Concept

A rotary-powered Mazda sports car revival is something we've dreamed of since the RX-8 went out of production a decade ago, and Mazda has always fueled the fire by suggesting it doesn't want to give up on rotary engines, as they're integral to Mazda's history. But we've also been burned before when believing the rumors, and Mazda's track record doesn't help.

In 2015, the RX-Vision concept set our imaginations ablaze. It was sexy, painted Soul Red Metallic, and looked every bit the RX-7 successor everyone wanted. Mazda execs repeatedly said they wanted to bring it to fruition, and dozens of patents for triple-rotor powertrains kept us on tenterhooks for years. Mazda even developed a new 16X rotary engine that never featured in a single car outside of the concept. But ultimately, those rumors amounted to nothing. While the Iconic SP concept is sexy, we'd argue the RX-Vision was even sexier, so the fact that it never materialized has made us somewhat skeptical.

However, Mazda always said it was struggling to make the rotary viable for tightening regulations, and by pairing the rotary with an electric powertrain, maybe that problem has been solved. For now, the Iconic SP seems like our best shot, and with a tentative 2026 arrival timeline, we're hoping Mazda finally delivers what we've been wanting for years.

Sources: Mazda

2024-09-01T10:00:41Z dg43tfdfdgfd